Non-Executive Report of the:
Licensing Committee
13th December 2016
Report of: David Tolley, Head of Environmental Health Classification:
and Trading Standards
Unrestricted
Directorate of Communities Localities and Culture
Community Alcohol Partnership and Best Bar None Review 2016/17
1.0
SUMMARY
1.1
This report provides an update on the progress of the Community Alcohol
Partnership (CAP) initiative in Mile End as well as an update on the Best Bar
None (BBN) Scheme within the borough.
1.2
The aim of both the CAP and the BBN is to seek to lower alcohol related
crime and anti-social behaviour within the Borough.
1.3
A Licensing Projects Officer, within the Environmental Health and Trading
Standards Service, has been separately funded to work on both these
initiatives, which started in August 2015.
2.0
RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1
Note that it is intended for the CAP in the Mile End area to continue and to be
further developed so as to assist in longer term strategies for Mile End: as the
CAP is the only intervention that has had any successful engagement with
both business and the public to reduce alcohol related nuisance and increase
business compliance.
2.2
Note that subject to a positive evaluation of the CAP, to identify other areas
within Tower Hamlets that would benefit from the introduction of a CAP.
2.3
Note that the Best Bar None (BBN) Award is to continue to be funded so as to
gain greater status in the Borough and to encourage even more participants
to celebrate high standards and success in Tower Hamlets.
2.4
Note that the BBN Award is to partner with a social media tourism company,
subject to the agreement of the [Communications Team], to highlight BBN
achievements within the Borough and to encourage and promote tourism
within the borough.
3.0
BACKGROUND
3.1
The first CAP area focused on Bethnal Green and St Peter’s ward where the
main issue of concern identified was that of underage sales by Off-licences in
the area. The CAP referred these premises to a responsible retail training
scheme that was being run by the Environmental Health and Trading
Standards Service to address the concern.
3.2
Between November 2015 and December 2015, a CAP survey was
undertaken across Tower Hamlets to gauge residents’ views on alcohol
related crime and anti-social behaviour.
3.3
The results of this CAP survey indicated Mile End as an area that suffered
from public alcohol consumption, which was visible both on weekdays and
weekends, and revealed a case of under-reporting of anti-social behaviour
(ASB) within this area. This was because residents believed that change was
not possible in Mile End. (See Appendix 1). The survey also highlighted that
adults were the main cause of discomfort but with young people becoming
involved with drinking and ASB.
3.4
As a result of the survey and the information relating to crime within the area,
the Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) scheme was set up in Mile End.
3.5
Activity under the CAP was intended to complement the existing work of
retailers and key stakeholders but without increasing resources in the longer
term. Shared goals can then be achieved by all the organisations and
agencies working together alongside the local community. This is because by
working together far more can be achieved than working in isolation or in a
silo culture.
Best Bar None Award
3.6
The Best Bar None (BBN) Award seeks to raise standards within premises
that are licensed for on sales of alcohol. Applicants wishing to achieve the
award are required to demonstrate to assessors that they are above the
minimum standard for compliance with Licensing and Health and Safety
legislation, and are at least broadly compliant with Food Safety legislation.
3.7
BBN also provides practical methods that uphold the four licensing objectives
and aid in the prevention of alcohol related ASB. The sustained improvement
and management of the venues across the Borough therefore encourages an
environment where public nuisance is not tolerated.
3.8
The system of assessment and awards is highly sought after by businesses
and premises will be allocated into certain categories according to their overall
score. Premises with outstanding and highest scores are acknowledged as
the best in their respective categories during an award ceremony.
Engagement
3.9
Intelligence both from the survey and other areas has identified a youth cohort
as one of the main groups responsible for the alcohol and drug related ASB in
Mile End. The CAP Partnership therefore tailored its approach to address
these local issues and it is this partnership model that has succeeded in
engaging with these youth groups. The CAP strategy involves taking a
particular cohort off the streets through supporting and introducing structured
sessions, and employment opportunities.
3.10
Through the CAPs own engagement with the youths, it identified that they
enjoyed playing football. Based on this information, the CAP liaised with
Sports Development as well as Celtic Football Club and secured that football
could be played on the Mile End Leisure Centre’s outdoor pitch. This saw an
average of 20 young people per session engage with this activity. This gave
the youths something to become engaged in other than alcohol and ASB.
3.11
The CAP also approached both the Rapid Response Team (RRT) and Sports
Development and identified problems that were hindering the RRT from being
able to effectively engage with these youths. This was mainly the location of
the RRT Bus being deployed too far from the ASB Hotspot on Burdett Road.
Burdett Road is a Red Zone managed by Transport for London and therefore
the CAP approached TfL and secured parking permits for the RRT bus for two
months free of charge.
3.12
The CAP identified that the youth cohort did not move far from their area in
Mile End and therefore Youth Centres were too far away for them to travel to.
Therefore, the CAP approached a local resource in the ASB hotspot, East
London Tabernacle (ELT), that runs youth sessions on Monday. ELT has a
general rule of allowing only young people that are residents of the E3
postcode and up to the age of 19 to attend these youth sessions and which
therefore excluded this youth cohort. The CAP successfully negotiated with
the ELT to engage the youth cohort by temporarily giving an exemption to this
general rule thereby allowing them to attend the youth sessions.
3.13
The CAP opened discussions with East End Homes and negotiated a Service
Level Agreement with them allowing the Southern Grove Centre to be used
for youth sessions for two nights a week free of charge to the youth cohort.
Youth Employment Project (YEP).
3.14
The YEP is a CAP initiative that offers young people a Level 1 qualification in
employability. This is provided by the Gateway Housing STEP programme
and which is followed by work experience with Sainsbury’s in Whitechapel.
The need for employment and training opportunities after this work experience
was required. The CAP therefore partnered with Skillsmatch to offer support
towards its range of modern apprenticeships.
3.15
The CAP has made use of social media, such as Instagram and Twitter, in
publicising these opportunities and their progress. So far, 5 young people
have participated in the YEP over the summer holidays. They completed the
course and then moved on to 2 weeks practical work experience at
Sainsbury’s.
3.16
Young people have therefore received practical benefits including increased
confidence as well as customer and sales skills. All the young people were
mentored by senior members of staff at Sainsbury’s and worked in a number
of different departments so as to obtain as much experience as possible. One
young person was subsequently offered a part time position and the
Sainsbury’s manager has reported that he is pleased with the project and
progress of the young people.
Aesthetic Improvements to the Mile End Park
3.17
Project Regenerate is based on the Broken Window Theory and the
document Decent Parks Decent Behaviour. This is that if a park is neglected
and contains crime, then the residents will not use the park and will also feel
bad about their area.
3.18
The CAP sought to improve part of Mile End Park to change and improve the
local perception of their area. The CAP approached Ecotalent. This is a
scheme for young people to receive accreditation on projects focused on
improving the environment. The CAP presented the need to improve Mile
End Park and requested their help. This was agreed and on a weekly basis, 4
Young People undertook volunteer work on Saturdays cleaning and clearing a
highly visible and neglected part of Mile End on the corner of Mile End Road
and Burdett Road.
3.19
This corner is a thoroughfare for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, students and
residents. This work produced a very visible improvement in Mile End street
scene and therefore gave a positive message to the community. The young
people also received their accreditations and the costs for project were
provided by Ecotalent.
Education
3.20
The CAP learned that having workshops prioritised for Mile End was difficult
as there were not enough providers to cover the Tower Hamlets area.
Therefore, the CAP created A Drop Down Day product around alcohol
awareness which was modelled on guidance from the Alcohol Education
Trust. The CAP then offered this free to Schools and Youth Groups within the
Mile End Area. This consisted of an assembly talk on alcohol awareness
followed by exercises tailored made by the CAP. 2 of 4 assemblies have
been completed for year 9 of St Paul’s Way Academy consisting of 243 young
people.
3.21
Two Youth centres have also signed up for a National Alcohol Awareness
week sessions to be run by the CAP.
Responsible retailing programme
3.22
The CAP has been able to offer Off Licenses in Mile End and the surrounding
area Responsible Retail Training. 26 Premises have been offered training. 18
refused but 8 accepted. This Training is due to commence in January 2017.
Enforcement
3.23
The CAP introduced Challenge 25 and issued free posters to the Off Licenses
in Mile End and its surrounding wards. Following the introduction of this the
CAP carried out compliance testing in August 2016. This was followed by a
test purchase operation with Trading Standards for underage sales in
September 2016.
3.26
The results for the Compliance test showed that of the 22 Tested, 17 Passed,
and 5 Failed. Premises who failed were then sent warning letter and offered
of training. Results for the test purchase operation by Trading Standards
resulted in 30 premises visited with, 30 Passes, and 0 Fails. This indicates an
improvement amongst the Off Licenses within Mile End and surrounding area.
Tackling ASB
3.27
The Urban Adventure Base (UAB) is a youth club based within Mile End Park.
At night the building attracts regular groups who gather with alcohol and drugs
leaving the paraphernalia behind and which the Youth Club have to clear in
the morning. The CAP went into the UAB and assisted them in to effectively
using their CCTV system to record evidence of this ASB activity and for this
evidence to be provided to the Safer Communities Tasking Group. The
Tasking Group then requested THEO patrols for 4 weeks which led to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.28
17 patrols from 26th September to 24th October 2016
8 CSAS name and address request
3 CSAS alcohol seizures
1 Cannabis warning
As a result the littering of drug and alcohol has stopped outside Youth Centre
and the groups have stopped congregating outside the UAB.
Results
3.30
The CAP has successfully engaged with both organisations and youths within
the Mile End area resulting in diversionary and employment
activities/opportunities. This has resulted in the removal of the youths from
the area and provided them with activities away from alcohol and ASB. It has
also decreased under aged sales of alcohol within the area, and which has in
turn helped enforcement teams tackle long standing ASB issues. Initial
reports are that all these measures have worked to reduce alcohol related
ASB within the Mile End area and the CAP intends to resurvey in January
2017 and it is estimated that this will demonstrate the CAPs successes and
show a marked difference on the target area.
Best Bar None Update
3.31
Last year 10 venues applied for the award and to date 27 venues have
applied.
3.32
This year the BBN Officer has been successful in gaining the support of both
Canary Wharf and the Truman Brewery who have agreed to be partners to
help boost promotion and recognition of the scheme.
3.33
BBN Terms and Conditions were introduced this year which gave clear rules
for applicants wishing to apply to enter the award. This led to re-rating
requests to improve low Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) Scores. This
has allowed the Borough’s Best Bar None to improve relationships between
other Teams within Environmental Health and Trading Standards and assist
venues in improving food hygiene as well as giving them opportunities for
greater training opportunities. It has also led to partnership working and
promotion of the Food for Health Award.
3.34
Best Bar None has also been added to the proposed Town Centre Strategy to
enhance its visibility. A common issue for the Town Centre Team and Best
Bar None is the touting which has now become a long running issue in Brick
Lane. To assist with this Best Bar None has for the first time offered
Restaurants who are licensed to sell alcohol to apply for this award. 13
restaurants have applied and this should raise standards of compliance within
these premises and assist in reducing touting within Brick Lane.
4.0
COMMENTS OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
4.1
This report provides an update on the progress of the Community Alcohol
Partnership initiative and the Best Bar None Scheme. The initial reports have
shown that the measures in place have achieved reductions in tackling
alcohol, Anti-Social Behaviour, and touting issues. This has also resulted in
improved partnership working.
4.2
Both these initiatives are funded on an annual basis from the Drug and
Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) core budget that is not supported from the public
health allocation. The resources support the fixed term post of a Licensing
Project Officer within the Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Service.
4.3
The CAP scheme is evaluated both at the beginning and end of the year.
Subject to a positive evaluation at the year end that considers measures
specific to a reduction in alcohol related ASB, it is being recommended that
the CAP be extended or replicated to other areas of the borough. Subject to
the resources remaining in place to support the funding of post in the future,
the costs can be contained within the existing resources.
5.0
LEGAL COMMENTS
5.1
Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) is a Community Interest Company
whose aim is to tackle underage drinking and the resulting harm to local
communities. A combination of enforcement, education, engagement of the
community and local businesses, and provision of appropriate positive activity
for young people is the hallmark of the CAP model. CAP is the national coordinating organisation for the establishment of local Community Alcohol
Partnerships which can be set up in any area with evidence of an underage
drinking problem. Within Tower Hamlets, the current CAP is for Mile End and
the report provides an update on the progress of the CAP.
5.2
As to setting up fresh CAPs, once an area has been identified, it is important
that the issues of concern are known and that there is proper planning before
any commencement. It is essential to build evaluation (pre- and post-) into
any action plan as evaluation is a mandatory part of any CAP scheme. It is
also important to bring together a number of agencies working to reduce
alcohol related harm to young people and associated anti-social behaviour as
well as involving local alcohol retailers.
5.3
As to Best Bar None Scheme, this is a National Award Scheme supported by
the Home Office and aimed at promoting responsible management and
operation of alcohol licensed premises. The Scheme’s purpose is:






Reduce alcohol related crime and disorder
Building a positive relationship between licensed trade, police and local
authorities
Reduces harmful effects of binge drinking
Improves knowledge and skills of enforcement and regulation agencies,
licensees and bar staff to help them responsibly manage licensed
premises
Process of becoming recognised by BBN includes meeting minimum
standards and culminates with a high profile award night with category
winners and an overall winner
Responsible owners are recognised and able to share good practice with
others

Highlight how operating more responsibly can improve the profitability of
an individual business and attractiveness of a general area
5.4
In its consideration of this Report, the Council must have due regard to the
need to eliminate unlawful conduct under the Equality Act 2010, the need to
advance equality of opportunity and the need to foster good relations between
persons who share a protected characteristic and those who do not (the
public sector equality duty).
6.0
ONE TOWER HAMLETS CONSIDERATIONS
6.1
No adverse impacts have been identified
7.0
BEST VALUE (BV) IMPLICATIONS
7.1
Partnership identifies greater synergies between various Services and is
outcome focussed.
8.0
SUSTAINABLE ACTION FOR A GREENER ENVIRONMENT
8.1
There are no adverse impacts identified
9.0
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
14.1
The Council will be at risk of legal challenge if its decision making process on
compliance testing not transparent and evidentially based.
10.0
CRIME AND DISORDER REDUCTION IMPLICATIONS
10.1
One of the key licensing objectives is to prevent licensed premises from
being a source of crime and disorder. The CAP and BBN supports and assists
with crime and disorder reduction by controlling those who manage premises
open to members of the public and imposing conditions on relevant premises
licences
Linked Reports, Appendices and Background Documents
Linked Report – None
Appendices:
Appendix One: Summary of Mile End Residents Survey
Local Government Act, 1972 Section 100D (As amended)
List of “Background Papers” used in the preparation of this report
List any background documents not already in the public domain including
officer contact information.
NONE.